Draco Malfoy, Broken

21 - Invitations 

Chapter 21

Harry woke from his quiet, restful nap, when he felt someone tap his shoulder. He cracked an eye and saw Kreacher.

"Master Harry, I'm sorry, but there's a firecall for you. It's Ms. Andy."

"Andromeda!?!" he gasped aloud and then internally, Teddy!

He scrambled out of bed and saw that he had amazingly not woken Draco. Then he ran downstairs to the fireplace. "Aunt Andy! What's wrong with Teddy?"

"He's fine! Everything's fine!" she said, quickly.

"Then... not that I don't appreciate you calling but..."

"Harry... I've been thinking about... inviting my sister over."

Harry gulped and couldn't believe it. His heart grew so much. It would awesome if they made up. "That's great!"

"I know I've been hesitant but I've spent the last day reading and re-reading the letter you gave me... she's been through so much."

"So have you. Neither of us wanted to push you into this. But truthfully I'm worried about both of you when I go to school."

"We're adults, Harry, I'm sure...."

"Doesn't mean I don't worry," Harry cut in.

"I see. Do you think you can bring her over tonight?"

"I can ask, I'm sure she'll say yes. What time is it?"

"You don't know?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I just woke up from a nap." Harry refrained from mentioning that he'd been sleeping next to her nephew.

"Oh, good. Naps are good," she said, relieved. "It's nearly 6."

"She'll be home soon and I'll need to make us dinner, first."

"Nonsense, bring her over here for dinner, then."

"And Draco, too, right?" Harry asked, his heart tightening with apprehension.

"Of course! I would love to meet my nephew!"

Harry cracked a wide smile. "Brilliant, I can't wait. Is seven too late for dinner?"

Aunt Andy smiled, too. "It'll be fine and Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for this. I haven't felt this excited since Ted was alive."

"You're welcome."

"I'll see you in a few hours, Harry," Aunt Andy said, waving away the connection.

Harry nearly screamed with excitement. He ran upstairs and jumped onto his bed, waking Draco.

"Hey! What's going on?" Draco said, groggy with sleep.

"I just talked to Aunt Andy," Harry said. "She wants you and your mom to come over for dinner!"

Draco jolted and looked at him. "Really? She wants to meet... me?"

"Of course she does," Harry said, laying down next to him, again. "She's your aunt."

"And I'm a marked Death Eater," Draco grunted.

"You don't think that I've told her about your case?"

"I know that her husband and her daughter and son-in-law were killed by Death Eaters."

"You're not a Death Eater, Draco. Stop saying you are," Harry said, elbowing him.

"Oww... I just... she'll really be okay with me?"

"She will. Calm down."

"Easy for you, Savior of the World," Draco huffed, but he relaxed, sinking further into Harry's pillow.

Harry breathed deeply and his head dropped into the pillow next to Draco. "Nothing's easy for me."

Draco didn't reply back, he seemed content to just lie next to him, but Harry could tell he was nervous. He'd been worried about Draco's breakdown earlier. He was still coming to terms with his sexuality and worse dealing with his current mental state. Draco was in a bad place and Harry didn't want to leave him alone for a second. He waited until Draco was ready to talk. They had time.

"Harry... do you..." Draco trailed off.

Harry looked at him. "What?"

"Do you miss your friends?" he asked.

Harry tightened up at the sudden question. He certainly hadn't been expecting that. "I guess. Hermione more than Ron at this point. Why are you asking? This isn't your fault. None of it is."

"That's a stupid thing to say. Even if Ron wasn't being stubborn about it, I still did all those things to him. I purposely tormented him. I was such an asshole and it's no wonder he hates me."

"You were in a dark place. Your dad was hurting you for years."

"Does that really excuse my conduct?"

"You were a kid, you can cut yourself some slack."

"I don't think I can. I hurt him and I enjoyed it."

"You aren't going to do it anymore, are you?"

"No! Of course not..." Draco said quickly and Harry nodded. "But there are consequences for my actions."

"Draco, you've been through enough."

"Ron was right. He's owed."

"No! No... you don't owe anything, Draco. Ron is just being a dick."

"Maybe, but he's entitled to his revenge."

"Damnit Draco. This isn't how the world works. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth? No! That's not right. Revenge is not... necessary to equal out things. It's wrong actually, the exact opposite of the right thing. He should be the better man in this."

"If I understood him, he was just going to enjoy my downfall in status. He can do that."

"Draco... why did you bring this up? You think I'm going to let anything happen to you?"

"You can't stop it, Harry. You can't protect me everywhere... at all times. Ron isn't the only one that's owed their pound of flesh."

Harry paled. "You can stop them."

"I couldn't stop them before I had restrictions on what I can do."

"You can defend yourself."

"Yeah right... I can't go back, Harry. I can't go back... it'll crush me," Draco said, tears forming.

"I won't let you go back."

"They'll be looking for anything Harry... anything... to send me back. I won't risk it."

"Okay... I'll just...."

"You'll let them do whatever they do."

"No, I won't do that."

"What you're going to beat the shit out of anyone who even looks at me wrong? What about not taking revenge? That it's wrong?"

"I meant...."

"That it's wrong for everyone else to do it, but not you?"

"Stop twisting my words. I didn't say I'll take revenge. I'd be stopping people from being assholes."

"You can't stop it, Harry."

"Where is this coming from?"

"From experience... and human nature. You weren't there last year. It started then. I got hexed more times than I can count. Now the veil of Voldemort is gone... they're going to come after me even stronger."

"And I'll be right there to protect you."

"I'm not afraid Harry. I can deal with it. I'm worried about what you will do in response. Temper issues, you know."

Harry grimaced. "I can control myself. I'm not a loose cannon."

"And alienate everyone who fought for you at Hogwarts."

"Draco... I do not like where this is heading at all," Harry growled.

"I know, Harry," Draco said, turning his head away. "I know."

A Crack! announced Kreacher's arrival. "Ms. Cissa is here, too!" he said, happily. At least the house elf was excited about seeing the old Black family, again.

"My mom?" Draco said, sitting up. He stared at the house elf, as though surprised by his age.

"Yes, Master Draco!"

"Let's go down," Harry said, climbing out of bed. Kreacher Apparated back to the main floor, unable to wait.

"I'm guessing that's Kreacher?"

"He probably remembers them from when they were kids. He called Andromeda Andy."

Harry led Draco down the stairs and saw Mrs. Malfoy... Narcissa was in the living area glancing around, being served tea by Kreacher who was near stumbling over his praise of her.

"I've been doing some limited remodeling. I basically shoved everything that I could rip off the walls into the attic," Harry said, to explain the near empty room.

"It looks better. My aunt was not a... decorator. I hope you don't mind me coming over... at least that was what your note said."

"No, please, come over anytime... but I've got some good news!"

"What?" she said.

"Andromeda called... she wants us to come over for dinner tonight!"

Narcissa brought her hand to her chest and sat down, in shock. Draco went over to her. "Mom?"

"It's okay," she said, tears forming. "I haven't seen her in so many years."

"Well, she was anxious to see you, too," Harry said. "I said we'd come at seven."

"Seven?" she looked around for a clock, but there wasn't one.

"We should probably leave soon."

"I need to go change... robes or...?"

"Muggle clothes."

"Come on, Draco. You should straighten up, too. Is that cobwebs?" she asked pointing at his shirt.

"Yeah... we went into the attic to look at the old relics."

"Oh... you didn't touch anything, right?"

"I was careful, mom." Draco laughed, but glanced a look at Harry, who shrugged.

"I'll change, too, and come over to your flat and we can go together," Harry offered.

"Yes... I don't know where she lives," Narcissa admitted. "Let's go, honey." She pulled him to the floo and they both disappeared.

Harry ran up to his room. Found a decent shirt, brushed his hair and teeth, and came out of the bathroom.

"Master Harry! You should tell me when good company is coming over! I would have prepared better reception!"

"Sorry... it wasn't planned. Kreacher... we are going to Aunt Andy's house. Do you want to come with us?"

"Yes! I will go help!"

"You don't have to help. Just-just don't be a problem for Elsie," Harry said, giving up on preventing the elf's natural inclination to provide. Kreacher disappeared.

He firecalled Andromeda to let her know that they were coming soon and to apologize for Kreacher's sudden arrival in her kitchen. She said it wasn't an issue. He ended the call and Apparated to the flat.

Narcissa saw him and yelled, "Draco! Hurry up, Harry's here!"

"Almost ready," Draco huffed through his door.

Harry saw Narcissa putting on a necklace in her room and walked into Draco's room. Draco was standing in front of his bed. His shirt was off. Harry felt some tingling before he saw scars striping Draco's back in no discernible pattern. His heart clenched. Draco grimaced when he saw Harry.

"Don't you knock, Potter?" he said, gruffly and pulled on one of the long-sleeve shirts Harry had gotten him.

"I never had before," Harry said, but refrained from commenting on what he had seen.

Draco straightened his shirt and then run his fingers through his hair a few times. It cooperated with him and fell immediately into the right place. Harry laughed internally at that one. His hair never did what he wanted.

"You look good," Harry said, leaning up against the door with his arms and legs crossed, staring provocatively.

Draco glared at him, suspiciously almost. Then he walked by Harry into the bathroom to double-check.

"Did you think I was lying?" Harry chuckled, yelling through the door.

"No... I just wanted to make sure," Draco muttered.

"And put some more mousse in?"

"Humph," Draco grunted, opening the door and giving Harry a calculating look.

Harry gave him a wide suggestive grin. Draco's cheeks went red. He tore his eyes away and stared at the floor, almost embarrassed. Bashful was not a word he'd associate with his former rival, but Harry was pleased he could elicit this type of reaction out of him.

"What's wrong, Malfoy?" Harry teased.

"Shut up," Draco muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Harry laughed and took his hand. "Don't be so self-conscious. Everything's fine."

Draco swallowed hard. "What if she doesn't like me?"

Harry wrapped his arms around Draco. "She'll love you. Don't be a worry wart."

"But I'm...."

"A victim of war. I'll take you away from there if anything happens, I promise."

"Thanks. Umm... Harry... I know you saw... them," Draco asked, his head, resting on his shoulder.

"You want to talk about it... now? I figured we'd get through one issue at a time. But we can talk now if you want," Harry whispered.

"No... no... I don't want to talk about it," Draco murmured.

"Ever?" Harry questioned, wondering if Draco was forbidding the topic.

"I guess not. It's not as bad as... the others," he said, trembling.

"Hey, we are right here... you're safe, Draco," Harry said, rubbing his back, trying to get him to relax.

But Draco wasn't calming down. Harry grimaced, but then deliberately ruffled up his hair. Draco snapped right out of it and pulled away from him.

"Potter! You messed up my hair!" Draco growled, running his fingers through it, putting each strand back into place.

"It looks better that way!" Harry laughed.

"Prat!"

"Git," he said, as Draco went back into the bathroom.

"What are you two doing?" Narcissa said, coming out of her room.

"Messing up Malfoy's hair," he replied.

"Shut it, Potter!" Draco said through the door.

His mother shook her head. "He's so self-conscious about his hair."

"Mom!" he said, spraying some hair spray.

"Time to go... now!" she said and Draco opened the door.

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the scowl Draco gave him. He grabbed both of their hands and pulled them into his jump. They landed in front of the white manor house that Andromeda owned.

"Ready?" he said and walked up onto the porch and rang the bell.

The door opened and Aunt Andy looked past him and pulled her sister forward into a hug. "Cissa! Oh, Cissa, I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you, too, Andy," Narcissa said, tears running down her face. "I'm so sorry, sis."

"No, none of that! Everything is in the past, forgotten. Let's just start fresh... please," Aunt Andy said, staring at her sister with affection.

"If... that's what you want... Andy... it would mean so much to me," Narcissa said, crying as they embraced into a hug, again, kissing each other on the cheek.

"I love you, Cissa... I always have," Aunt Andy said and Narcissa choked out a sob of happiness.

"I love you, too."

They hugged each other for another minute, before Andy pulled them inside the building, shutting the door.

"Harry, nice to see you. Teddy is getting changed, again. He decided to uproot some of the plants in the parlor, got dirt all over the place. He also decided to eat some, too. Children. Ah, you must be Draco. Come here, so I can see you properly."

Draco slowly moved forward, caught under the bright entryway light. Harry could see how tightly he was wound. Nearly shivering in anticipation. His eyes were wide, the tendons on his neck were sticking out and he was holding his breath. He was afraid. Harry wanted to hug him out to bring him back, but they were in front of people, Draco's kin. Harry kicked himself. Aside from his mother, every other relation he knew had viciously beat and humiliated him. He, Draco, had no idea what she would do or say to him. She looked so much like Bellatrix and he couldn't trust his own blood, his own family.

"What's wrong?" Aunt Andy asked, clearly seeing his distress.

Draco lowered his head in clear submission to his aunt. His shoulders dropped low, his hands were clenched so tight, they were white. There was no way he could talk. His eyes started to water.

Andromeda looked in fear at her sister, who merely nodded, tears in her eyes. Harry had to wait for her response, before he took Draco away from the house. He couldn't believe Aunt Andy would reject him, but there was always a risk.

"Oh, you poor dear," she said, her voice filled with compassion as she wrapped her arms around her traumatized nephew. "You're going to be okay. I got you, young man."

Draco nearly yelped from the sudden embrace, but eventually relaxed slightly. His hands were balled and he couldn't stop shaking, but the tension left his shoulders. Aunt Andy pulled back to look at him. He tried to look away, but she put her hands on his cheeks.

"Draco, dear... I'm your aunt."

Draco swallowed hard as panic-ridden breaths escaped from his lock-jawed mouth. He was trapped in his mind, again. Draco did not like the word "aunt".

Harry grimaced. "It's okay, Malfoy. She's a nice person."

"I'm not going to hurt you," Aunt Andy vowed. She hugged him again, sharing another look of concern with her sister. "There's a good lad... calm down. Everything's going to be okay. You're with people who love you."

Draco sniffled as more tears came out. Harry unfurrowed Draco's hand, but didn't take it completely. He slowly began to breathe normally, again and trembling waned down.

"You're safe. You're around your family. Your real family. We will love and protect you," she said, still clutching him. "I'm not letting you go until you can talk."

After a few minutes, Draco finally took a deep breath and said, "Thank you."

"There you go, sonny," she said and separated enough to look into his eyes. Draco still wanted no part of that, but she wanted it and she prevailed. "Look at me, boy. I'm your Aunt Andy. You're a kind, decent lad. You will look me in the eye when I talk to you. Okay, honey?"

"Yes, ma'am," he mumbled, still cowered.

"Hey... it's Aunt Andy. I just got Harry to start calling me it."

Draco's grey eyes softened. "Aunt Andy...."

"Well, it's a start. Your mother and I were close when we were kids. When I was... removed from the family... we had to break ties. But that's all in the past. We are a family, again. You are my nephew. You will come to my house for holidays and every Sunday from now on and I mean it, Cissa."

"We'd be honored!" she said and hugged her sister, again.

"Thank you," Draco said, trying not to look down. Eye contact was very difficult for him.

Harry stood next to him now, his fingers brushing the back of his hand, reminding Draco that he was there.

"Arry!" Teddy's voice screamed as he bolted into the room, half-dressed, startling everyone. Elsie trailed behind him carrying a shirt.

"I'm beginning to see that he's too much for Elsie," Aunt Andy muttered.

Harry scooped up the hellion and brought him up to his chest. "Teddy... are you causing problems, again, young man?"

"Nooo!" the one-year old yelled.

"I think you are...."

"Nooo... Arry it's not funday!"

"I know... I just couldn't wait to see you!"

"I wuv you!" Teddy said, wrapping his tiny arms around him. Harry's heart just melted.

"I love you, too, little guy." Harry pressed his lips into his hair and kissed him. He glanced at the surprised, smiling faces of his audience. "Teddy... you have some guests! This is your Aunt Cissa... and Draco."

"They fly, too?"

"Draco does, but not tonight... it'll be dark soon."

"I want fly!"

"Teddy...."

"Arry! Fly!"

"You've spoiled him too much. You take him flying every time you come," Aunt Andy laughed.

"Hey, we didn't go out when it rained that one time!"

"That's because I said no. Really, Harry? The rain? He's not even 1," she chastised.

"Sorry... Quidditch player. We don't care," Harry chuckled. "Sorry, Teddy. No flying tonight."

"Aww... fly."

"No. Now, you need to go get dressed. How are you supposed to be dressed for dinner?"

"In my undies!" he laughed. Geez for a one-year old, he's a smart-ass, Harry thought.

"No... will you go with Elsie and get dressed?"

"Okay... Arry," he said and Harry set him on the floor. He took off running, at least in the right direction.

"What are the odds he comes out with less clothes?"

"Pretty high," Aunt Andy laughed.

"Where's Kreacher?"

"I had him cook dinner when Teddy messed up his clothes."

"Oh Merlin... Kreacher hasn't been cooking that much over in the last decade. Wait... had him? You didn't tell him he had to do it?"

Both Black sisters looked at him strangely, but he shrugged and went to the kitchen to help.

He just heard Aunt Andy whisper, "He's so weird about house elves."

"I kinda like that about him," Draco replied and followed him to the kitchen.

Harry walked into the kitchen and found Kreacher charming the pots to stir and another was straining noodles.

"Master Harry! Dinner is almost ready!" he squeaked, giving him a bow.

"Kreacher... you didn't have to do this... I didn't mean to have you cook for everyone," Harry started, as Draco entered behind him.

The elderly house elf bowed low to Draco, too. "Master Draco... you honor me by coming to the kitchen. Can I get you anything?"

"No, thank you, Kreacher," Draco responded with a kind voice.

"Master Harry, dinner will be right out. I already set the table."

"Kreacher... do you need any help?"

"Help? House elves don't need help! Dinner is cooked. It will be Pollo cutlets with a porcini marsala cream sauce, over linguine fini with haricots verts!" Kreacher said, proudly and almost shoved him out the door.

Harry sighed when Draco came out behind him. "Come on, let's go find Teddy. Any chance you know what he's making? What the hell is haricots verts?"

"Green beans."

Harry gave him a look.

"It's French for green beans."

"Of course it is. Silly me. Why didn't he just say 'green beans'?" Harry huffed.

"Probably to sound fancier."

"And porcini?"

"A type of wild mushroom," Malfoy said, smiling. Git, Harry thought.

"Pollo?"

"Chicken... Italian I think."

"Our dinner is so fancy that it has to be in three languages?"

"Apparently. You're a cook, shouldn't you know these words?"

"I was an indentured servant to my aunt and uncle for room and board. It wasn't exactly high-end cooking. I learned as I went," Harry snapped.

"Oh... sorry." Draco hung his head and Harry cursed his temper.

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't've snapped. You were right. I do have a temper."

"At least you've admitted it. It's step 1."

Harry gave him a look and then they walked into Teddy's room. As predicted, he was practically naked and running around the room being chased by Elsie.

"Master Teddy! Please!" Elsie whimpered, breathless.

"Edward Remus Lupin!" Harry yelled and everyone in the room froze with some amount of awe. "What are you doing?"

"I... umm..." Teddy stammered.

"What did I tell you?"

"Put on clothes," he said, nudging the carpet with his toes, as he avoided Harry's eyes.

"Now, young man."

"Yes, Arry... I'm sarry."

"Don't apologize to me... apologize to Elsie, she has to do enough work without chasing you around all over the place."

"I'm sarry Elsia," Teddy said and gave the house elf a hug.

Elsie squeaked, but patted the boy on the back. "It's okay Master Teddy."

"Thank you for apologizing. I have it from here, Elsie. Thank you," Harry said, giving a bow to the house elf, who eagerly returned it, disappearing. "Come here, Teddy."

Teddy definitely didn't want to, but slowly came over. "I'm sarry, Arry."

"I know little guy. Your grand-min-ma isn't exactly young. You have to take care of her, you understand? She can't chase after you."

"I like mi-ma."

"Grandma loves you, too. You have to promise to behave a little better. I don't want to be getting letters from Aunt Andy that you haven't been behaving."

"I'll be gawd."

"Sure you will, you little tyke," Harry ruffled up his hair. "You know I won't be coming every Sunday... for awhile... Grandma's told you?"

"She said you got to go to shool."

"School... yes... I have to... but I will miss you and we can go flying whenever I can get away."

"O-kay Arry... owl miss you," Teddy said, giving Harry a hug.

Harry smiled and held him tight. He looked up a Draco, who also had a grin. Harry found some good clothes for him and held Teddy's hand when they walked to the dinner table. Harry spoon-fed Teddy much to the amusement of the others. The toddler seemed content to make a mess out of whatever came near his mouth. Draco, who sat next to Harry, smiled watching the whole process. Harry barely touched his food, being so focused on feeding Teddy. Draco actually reminded him to eat.

Narcissa and Aunt Andy started their own conversation. Narcissa explained what she did at work and where they were living, but she did not give any sign that she wasn't well off. Harry knew that was not why she was there. She wanted company. Once her son goes to school, she had no one. She told them that she couldn't bond with her muggle co-workers easily. She knew nothing about them, hence the last couple of months had been quite lonely. Aunt Andy told them about remodeling the house, making it child-proof again after so many years. Teddy was her only joy in life at the moment.

Narcissa then amused Harry by regaling Draco's childish escapades, much to her son's mortification. Aunt Andy had a good kick out of it, too and brought up Nymphadora's childhood to compare their difficulties in raising their children.

"Thank you for dinner, Kreacher. It was wonderful," Andy said as they finished dessert, looking at the now clean house elf.

"Kreacher has long wished to serve the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black again."

"Oh gosh... there's a phrase I hadn't heard in a long time. We were just young girls when we saw you last, Kreacher," Aunt Andy said.

"Kreacher will remember all members of the House of Black. His allegiance is to them."

"What about Potter?" Draco asked. Harry gave him a look, still keeping up last names around others he noted.

"Master Harry is an honorary member of the House of Black," the old house elf said, proudly bowing to him.

"Thank you Kreacher," Harry said, smiling.

"Are you finished? We can take your plates?" Elsie said, her voice higher than Harry's ancient elf.

"I can take mine and Draco's," Harry said, getting up.

"Harry. Sit down, dear. It's etiquette for the host to take your plate. Need I remind you?" Aunt Andy said sharply. Narcissa looked confused, no doubt sensing a battle of wills between her elder sister and the Savior.

"I would never be as so ungracious to make you take my plate, Aunt Andy. Please, it's not a bother. Shall take yours as well?" Harry said, politely.

Narcissa grinned at her sister's pursed lips. "Harry, I think this is getting ridiculous," Aunt Andy muttered.

"I disagree."

"Elsie doesn't want money or time off."

"Neither does Kreacher," he said as the two elves looked back and forth between them.

"House elves have been in wizarding houses since before the Dark Ages, Harry. It's normal. Don't you think, Cissa?"

"I'll take your plate, Mom," Draco said standing up suddenly. He had already grabbed a hold of his plate.

"Sure, sweetie," Narcissa said, giving an apologetic shrug to her sister.

Harry, however, smiled at Draco and took his and Teddy's plate into the kitchen. Elsie took Andy's and Kreacher levitated the empty platters through the door.

"Master Harry... you isn't supposed to be doing that," Kreacher chastised.

"Kreacher, thank you so much for dinner. I only asked you here, as you rarely have any company and I know you like seeing the old family."

"Yes, Kreacher loves serving the Black sisters, again!"

"I'll bet. But I'm supposed to protect you. You're my friend, not my servant," Harry said, looking at him sadly.

Kreacher's large eyes stared at him, unfathomably. Then he sniffled and wrapped his tiny arms around Harry's legs. "I love you, Master Harry!"

"Harry... Kreacher. Just Harry."

"Harry," the house elf finally obliged.

Harry smiled and bent down to give him a proper hug. The house elf broke down sobbing. Elsie had tears in her eyes and also hugged them both.

"You is a good master, Harry," she squeaked.

Harry jolted at the show of friendship from Andromeda's house elf. He looked up at Draco, whose mouth was hanging open in disbelief. Harry had a smirk on his face and Draco shut his mouth. He looked mildly impressed and, unless Harry imagined it, proud. 

This chapter got too long... I had to split it up...